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Advocates and police back expanding autism training for veteran officers; bill would require in‑service education
Summary
Families, self‑advocates and law enforcement told the committee that police should receive ongoing in‑service training to recognize and safely interact with people on the autism spectrum; sponsors said a 2021 requirement covers cadets but not veteran officers.
Autism advocates, self‑advocates and police officials urged the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to expand training so veteran police officers and corrections staff receive continuing education on interacting with people on the autism spectrum.
Sam Kenge, an adult with autism and an advocate, and Jonathan Garner, another self‑advocate, described personal encounters and said the training reduces the risk of escalation. "Police officers' jobs are difficult," Sam said. "All police…
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